Firefighters strike in Wales

Firefighters strike in Wales

Firefighters in south Wales will lobby the Welsh Assembly Credit: David Cheskin/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Members of the Fire Brigade Union will hold a four hour strike today in a dispute over pensions. They will walk out at midday and will remain on strike until 4pm. The union says that current proposals would see firefighters who retire or are forced out of work at 55 losing 50% of their pensions.

The UK government has said that the strike is 'unnecessary and avoidable'.

Contingency plans have been put in place by all three fire authorities to minimise the impact of the strike. In south Wales six fire engines crewed by military firefighters will be stationed across the region.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service say they have 'robust contingency plans in place' and they 'will continue to operate business as usual as far as reasonably practicable.'

In north Wales arrangements have been put in place to continue to provide a service but warn 'because of the circumstances, services may be limited.'

People are being urged to take extra care with fire safety and on the road during the period of the strike.